Lithium

Lithium

Snapshot

Lithium is a trace mineral and mood stabilizer that supports emotional balance, cognitive function, and neuroprotection.

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What is Lithium?

Lithium refers to the micronutrient form found in certain mineral waters and plant foods, distinct from pharmaceutical lithium salts. It influences neurotransmitter release and neuronal resilience.

Where It Comes From

Dietary lithium is present in trace amounts in drinking water, grains, vegetables, and nuts; supplemental forms include lithium orotate, lithium aspartate, and lithium carbonate in low doses.

Key Nutrients & Compounds

Supplemental lithium provides elemental Liโบ ions that modulate GSKโ€‘3ฮฒ activity, enhance BDNF expression, and support mitochondrial function in neurons.

Health Benefits

Trace lithium intake is associated with improved mood regulation, reduced anxiety, enhanced neurogenesis, and potential protection against neurodegenerative conditions.

Recommended Dosage

Typical supplemental doses range from 1 to 5โ€ฏmg elemental lithium per day for wellness purposes; pharmaceutical dosing (600โ€“1200โ€ฏmg/day) is reserved for clinical mood disorders under medical supervision.

How to Use It

Take lithium supplements with water and food to improve absorption and reduce gastric upset; maintain consistent daily timing for stable blood levels.

Who Should Use It?

Individuals seeking gentle mood support, cognitive resilience, or neuroprotective benefits; not suitable for individuals on lithium prescription without medical guidance.

Possible Interactions or Cautions

Lithium can interact with diuretics, NSAIDs, and ACE inhibitors, increasing toxicity risk; excessive intake leads to tremors, thyroid dysfunction, and renal strain. Always monitor levels clinically.

Final Thoughts

Lithium in trace nutritional doses offers a promising adjunct for emotional stability and brain health, but requires caution, appropriate dosing, and monitoring for safety.

Scientific Studies

Brown KM, Tracy DK. Lithium: the pharmacodynamic actions of the amazing ion. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2013;3(5):163โ€“176. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125313487213

Yamada N, etย al. Beneficial effects of trace lithium on cognitive function and mood in healthy subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2016;38:12โ€“17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.03.008

Forlenza OV, etย al. Prevention of dementia: lithium as a promising candidate therapy. J Alzheimerโ€™s Dis. 2015;48(2):S287โ€“S297. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-150648